Dechra launches world’s first veterinary green theatre checklist

A GLOBAL animal health specialist has unveiled the Veterinary Green Theatre Checklist which is designed to promote sustainability.

The initiative, from Dechra, has been adapted from the Intercollegiate Green Theatre Checklist in human medicine and was unveiled at the recent World Congress of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia in Paris.

It is designed to promote sustainable perioperative practices across veterinary medicine.

The checklist brings together equine and companion animal perioperative guidelines in an easy-to-use checklist, supported by an evidence-based compendium. It has been developed over 18 months by an international expert working group and independently reviewed by specialists worldwide.

The project has received endorsements from leading veterinary organisations, including ANZCVS, BEVA, BVNA, ECVN, ECVS and RCVS Knowledge.

Dr. Lizzie Barker, technical marketing expert at Dechra, who is a veterinary surgeon and newly qualified medical doctor, conceived the idea after encountering the human medical version during her medical studies.

After reaching out to specialists at the Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists (AVA), it became clear that there was demand for a project like this, so a cross-specialism collaborative team was started.

Dr Barker said: “The VGTC is a milestone in advancing OneHealth principles and sustainability in veterinary care.

“By uniting our profession under a common set of green perioperative practices, we can make a tangible difference for both animal and environmental health.

“I’d like to thank everyone who kindly volunteered their time to review the project.”

Dechra will roll out an internal training and awareness campaign, alongside an education initiative in collaboration with AVA and RCVS Knowledge.